Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex shed over 56 points in early trade on Wednesday, declining for the fourth day in a row, on sustained selling by funds and retailers due to concerns over delay in economic reforms.

The 30-share barometer, which has lost nearly 219 points in the previous three sessions, moved down further by 56.27 points, or 0.32 percent, to 17,575.44, with auto, metal andIT sector stocks leading the fall.

Trading sentiment remained bearish on increased selling by funds and retail investors on concerns over the delay in economic reforms after the Parliament failed to transact any business for the sixth straight day on Tuesday as BJP continued its demand for resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng down by 0.06 percent, while the Japan's Nikkei was up by 0.28 percent in early trade on Wednesday.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.17 percent lower in Tuesday’s trade.